Wherever you live, getting to and from work can sometimes be more exhausting than work itself. Here in Ghana, taking the tro-tro, the main source of public transportation, IS work.

If you are not already aware of what a tro tro is, I’ll give you a brief overview. Tro-tros are large rickety vans that can carry 10-20 people, as well as a driver and a mate, the person who calls out the stops and collects the fee. Each tro has its own route and stops along the way. I like to think of it as a cross between a shuttle and a public bus, except a lot more crowded, hot, and unreliable. There are no signs, no lines, and no schedule, so as a rider, you have to be aggressive and proactive if you want to get to work on time! Despite the chaos and unpredictability of the tro-tro system, once you master your commute, the ride can often be enjoyable.

            I’ve found that listening to music makes every tro-tro ride much better and more relaxing, so I’ve come up with the ultimate tro-tro playlist. Day or night, work or leisure, these songs are sure to make any trip you make more enjoyable. Wherever you are in the world, whether you commute with a car, train, bike, or your own two legs, if you dread the commute and need something to for your sleep-soaked eyes, case of the Mondays or rush hour traffic, this is a tro-riffic playlist for you.

My perfect wake up song.

1. Surprise Hotel – Fool’s Gold

   When a tro hasn’t come to my stop in more than 30 minutes…

2. Worry – Little Comets

 

Finally hopped on a tro!

3. Riding Coach – 1, 2, 3

 

When I get a seat next to the open window (YES!)

4. The Breeze – Dr. Dog

 

When someone on the tro refers to me as “Obruni”

 5. Calling Me Names – Good Old War

 

When a woman carries on a super cute sleeping baby.

6. Baby – Devendra Banhart

 

When I have a case of the Mondays.

7. It’s Time – Imagine Dragons

 

When we’re stuck in traffic and I’m not sure if I’ll ever get to work.

8. Someday – The Stokes

 

When I look out the window and don’t recognize where I am…

9. Middle of Nowhere – Hot Hot Heat

 

 When I try to buy plantain chips outside the window and the tro starts moving and the plantain lady starts running after the tro…

10. There She Goes – The La’s

 

 When I get homesick.

11. Arizona – Kings of Leon

 

When I’m walking to work and don’t want to be stopped by people on the street…

12. Break My Stride – Matthew Wilder

 

When I get off the tro at the RIGHT stop ON TIME! “HERE I AM BABY!”

13. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder